If you are anything like me, you have probably experienced numerous instances where your brain goes blank when recalling information. This can be incredibly frustrating in social settings where someone’s name slips out of your mind quicker than it came in. After all, memory is an essential part of our everyday lives. It helps us learn, remember, and recall important information and is crucial to our functioning in society.

Unfortunately, many people struggle with memory-related issues, such as forgetfulness and difficulty retaining information. However, there are tried and tested ways in which people can improve their memory function significantly, even if they aren’t born with it. Hence, this article will discuss the seven best books to improve memory.

1. “Moonwalking with Einstein” by Joshua Foer

Moonwalking with Einstein” is written by Joshua Foer, a journalist who became interested in the world of memory championships. The book revolves around Foer’s journey after he decides to compete in the US Memory Championship. While preparing for the championship, Joshua discovers the secrets responsible for remarkable memory skills.

This book is enriching as it uses various techniques and methods for honing memory ability. Also, the book is written captivating and informative, providing readers with practical tips on improving their memory. It amalgamates personal narrative with scientific research to explore the mysteries of memory and the human brain. Overall, this book does an excellent job of exploring the power of memory and how it can be improved.

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2. “Unlimited Memory” by Kevin Horsley

Kevin Horsley wrote, “Unlimited Memory” is a deep dive into the world of memory championship. The author, a two-time world memory champion, offers a detailed view of what makes someone’s memory competition-ready. If you want to follow a step-by-step guide that is easy to digest and packs detail, this book will satisfy you.

In the book, Horsley describes the tips and techniques he has gathered and developed over the years, which have helped him secure multiple awards. In addition, you will find memory aids such as visualization techniques, association methods, and repetition, not to mention the various exercises and challenges to help you put it all to the test. Both beginners and professionals will find this book incredibly informative.

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3. “The Memory Book” by Harry Lorayne and Jerry Lucas

“The Memory Book” is a classic book on memory improvement, with the very first edition printed 40 years ago. Over the decades, this book has risen to the top of the memory improvement category, and people swear by its efficacy. The author, Harry Lorayne, has spent his life unraveling the secrets to excellent memory ability. While this book is a gem for memory techniques, it can also improve your reading speed and help you keep your attention for longer.

If you struggle with reading comprehension due to a lack of focus and memory issues, this book will make a difference in your life. Moreover, It provides readers with various memory techniques that can be used in everyday life, such as remembering names, dates, and numbers.

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4. “Make It Stick” by Peter C. Brown, Henry L. Roediger III, and Mark A. McDaniel

If you are curious about the inner working of the brain, especially the memory function, this book explains the biology behind it all. “Make It Stick” is an effective memory improvement tool, but it also equips you with the science behind how and why we forget and what makes our memory improve.

Knowing how things work can often result in a deeper understanding of the various techniques and what makes them effective, so if you don’t mind learning about the “why and how,” this book will be a great choice. Also, I should mention that this book does away with many traditional ways of memorizing things, such as the highlighting technique and cramming.

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5. “Brain Rules” by John Medina

Techniques, tips, and strategies have their place regarding memory improvement, but there is something even more essential. It is no surprise that the mind and body are interconnected. For example, what we eat dictates our energy levels and mood, whereas exercise or lack thereof determines how we feel. “Brain Rules” takes a slightly different approach to memory improvement by explaining what the physical state of our bodies/health does to our cognition.

He also offers valuable and practical information regarding the different techniques for improving brain performance. The book covers several topics, i.e., exercise, sleep, attention, and memory, among others, and shows research-based strategies for improving brain function.

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6. “The Art of Memory” by Frances A. Yates

“The Art of Memory” by Frances A. Yates is a bit more historical, but it doesn’t shy away from the techniques that will improve your memory. The author does a fantastic job of exploring the history of mnemonic techniques and how they influenced the evolution of Western thought. You’d be surprised how far back these techniques go as they were used by figures like Cicero, Giordano Bruno, and Saint Augustine.

The Art of Memory is a phenomenal read as it journeys through ancient times and the Renaissance while exploring the world of memory techniques. You will learn about the various memory systems, their evolution, and their relation to subjects like philosophy, theology, and the arts.  

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7. “How to Develop a Perfect Memory” by Dominic O’Brien

Have you noticed how you know of certain players even if you don’t follow their specific sport? That’s because they are the best at their work, so their name becomes ubiquitous. Dominic O’Brien is that every person, as he is known worldwide for his multiple memory championship wins.

The author has spent much of their life studying and mastering the art of memory. Throughout his career, O’Brien has sculpted a great repository of memory techniques and unbeatable tips regarding results. To name a few, you’d learn things like learning by association, visualization techniques, and mind mapping. The book is easy to follow and can be the perfect choice for beginners.

Get it from here.

Conclusion

To sum up, our memory is crucial to how we live, and having a good memory is a superpower in the real world. The books mentioned earlier offer a variety of methods and plans that can help improve memory function and cognition. Essentially, you pick any of these up and see significant improvements in how you memorize information, be it names or numbers.